Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for electrical injury induced cardiogenic shock support: a case report

Background High voltage electrical injury (HVEI) of more than 1000 V is a potentially devastating form of a multisystem injury associated with high morbidity and mortality. We present the first case of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) as a life saving device for treating a patient with severe cardiogenic shock after a high voltage electrical injury. Case presentation A 26-year-old male sustained HVEI while working with a concrete mixer pump that came in contact with a high voltage cable of 10,000 V. He was immediately disconnected from the mixer pump, underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation and was transported to the nearest medical centre with severe cardiogenic shock with an ejection fraction (EF) of < 10%. Upon arrival, he was in critical condition, sedated and mechanically ventilated, haemodynamically unstable and supported by intravenous (IV) inotropes after a few events of ventricular fibrillation, with an electrical entry point on the left hand and an exit point located on his right leg. Blood pH was 6.8, PCO(2)53 mmHg, PaO(2)of 57 mmHg, lactate 8 mmol/L, and Troponin 38,000 ng/dl. The EF was 10% with global severe left ventricular dysfunction. During cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), including cardiac massage and few electrical shocks, he was immediately connected to the VA-ECMO via open right femoral approach with distal arterial leg perfusion. He was treated with IV broad spectrum antibiotics, and high volume fluids to prevent rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury, total parenteral nutrition, topical silver sulfadiazine cream, and Granuflex for severe electrical burns. He was gradually weaned from inotropes over the next 3 days, during which his clinical condition and bloodwork improved tremendously. His EF gradually increased to 50% and he was weaned from the VA-ECMO, and underwent decannulation 86 h after initialization. He was discharged on day 27 without any sequelae. Conclusion The VA-ECMO treatment can be a lifesaving device for treating severe cardiogenic shock caused by high voltage electrical injury, and should be considered while treating these "high-mortality risk" patients.